AIRPORT staff have seized 10 lethal weapons from a group of Lydney lads returning from holiday.

The weapons, including knuckle dusters and razor sharp martial arts throwing stars, were discovered by Border Force officers at Birmingham Airport.

A routine X-ray examination revealed several suspicious items in baggage which had just been taken off a flight from Bourgas in Bulgaria on Saturday, July 7.

Seven friends who were travelling together were then stopped and questioned.

All of their cases were searched and six steel throwing stars, two extendable batons and two knuckle dusters were found in the cases of four of the passengers.

Four men in the party, in their late teens or early twenties, were given a written warning.

Peter MacPhail, Border Force anti-smuggling officer, said: "We are determined to prevent dangerous and often deadly weapons like this haul from getting onto the streets of the UK.

"Just because you can legally buy an item while on holiday abroad does not mean you can bring it back here.

"If you are caught trying to smuggle dangerous weapons into the country or simply unaware of the controls in place, these weapons will be detected and confiscated and you could face prosecution."

Since the start of 2012, Border Force officers at Birmingham Airport have seized over 300 dangerous weapons from passengers.

With the start of the summer holidays next week, Border Force is reminding travellers heading abroad to think carefully before bringing back holiday 'souvenirs'.

Officers will seize all dangerous weapons, including samurai swords, throwing stars, firearms, realistic imitation firearms, stun guns and knives.

Carrying items that are banned or for which a licence or permit is needed is illegal. People caught smuggling banned or unlicensed items could face severe delays and penalties, including imprisonment.